>c 1534 

.054 L7 ^OOh AND SOCIAL DRAMA, 
Copy 1 



^-A.ct TT^ell 3roi:Lr part. 



LouYa, The Pauper. 



7. ^. pENI30JM 



:E'I^IOE 15 OEJ^TS. 



CHICAGO : 

T. S. DENISON 

1S7S. 



NO PLAYS EXCHANGED. 



T. S. DENISON'S CATALOGUE OF 

NEW PLAYS, 

FOR SCHOOLS and AMATEURS. 
1878. 



These plays have been prepared expressly to meet the wants of teachers 
and amateur clubs. They are simple in construction, and require no scenery, 
or such as is usually at hand. They afford room for " aciif/^." They nre /'ure 
in tone and langitacre. The six first on the list were before the public last 
year, and met with a very favorable reception. 

"If the succeeding numbers are as g-ood as the first, we predict for them 
a larg-e demand." — National Teachers'' Monthly, N. T. and Chicncro. 

"These plays appear to be full of fun and to teach manyg-ood lessons with- 
al." — Wis. yoitr. of Education. 

"The farces are full of fun." — Daily Inter- Ocean, Chicago. 

"These plays are realizing- the dearth of g-ood literature in this department." 
— N. 7'. School Bulletin. 

ODDS WITH THE ENEMY. 

A drama in five acts; 7 male and 4 female characters. Time i hour 50 min. 
Contains a good humorous negro character. 

" It took splendidly. 'Tabbs' inade it spicy."— C. E. Rogers, Dunkirk, Ind. 

SETH GREENBACK. 

A di-ama in four acts; 7 male and 3 female characters. Tine i hour 15 m. 

"' Seth Greenback ' has one very good Irish comic character, and some 
pathetic and telling situations. The plot is simple and dramatic, and culmin- 
ates well." — lovja Normal Monthly. 

WANTED, A CORRESPONDENT. 

A farce in two acts, 4 male and 4 female characters. Time 45 m. Very , 
interesting and amusing. 

INITIATING A GRANGER. 

A ludicrous farce; 8 male characters. Time, 25 m. 

" 'Initiating a Granger' broughtdown the house." — "J. L. Sharp, Burlington 
loTja. 

THE SPARKLING CUP. 

A temperance drama in five acts; 12 male and 4 female characters. Time, 
I hour 45 m. A thrilling play, worthy the best efforts of amateurs. Pathetic song 
and death scene. 

"It is just the thing for dramatic clulTs." — The Anvil, Washington, D. C. 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER, 



j^ iD:£^.i^i^vd:.if^. 



IN FiVlS ACTS. 



BY 



T. S. DENISON, 



A-uthcr of "Odds 7vith the Eiiemy,'''' ^'■Initiating a Granger,^* " Wmnted, a 

Correspondent,'''' "A Family Strike," "Seth Greenback," ''Hans Von 

Smash," "Borrowifig Trouble " " Two Ghosts i?i Whitt," 

"T/ie Full- Back," ''Country Justice," "The 

Assessor," "-The SJ>arkling Cnp" Etc. 



CHICAGO: f^ ^'^^^-^ 
1878. 

Copyright, 1B7*>, by 'i'. >. Ueiasou. 



?5 1 534 



CHAHACTEES. 



LouvA, the pauper. 
Aggie Farnham. 
Mrs. Craft. 
Gipsy Crone. 
Aunt Charity. 
Dick Langley. 
Will Spriggs, 



Col. Farnham. 
Sol Craft. 
Bub Craft. 
Mr. WiTHGOW. 
Peleg Pucker. 
Crankey. 
Tony. 



COSTUMES. 



To suit the social standing of the character, Louva, plainly but 
neatly dressed. Dick, well dressed. Crankey, garb of slouchy back- 
woodsman. Aggie, elegantly but not showily attired in Act III, 
different dress in each Act. 



SITUATIONS. 



R means right as the actor faces the audience; Z, left; C, center. 



Note. — To produce lightning blow powdered rosin or gunpowder 
through a flame. Thunder may be imitated by shaking a piece of sheet 
iron. A simple apparatus for imitating rain is made by placing wooden 
pegs from one to two inches apart over the bottom of a long narrow 
wooden box. Another is a square wooden tube with oblique partitions 
arranged so that the peas or beans may fall in a series of cascades. 



Steam Press of 
Cushing, Thomas & Co., 170 Clark St. 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 



^OT I. 

Scene. — Room in Sol Craft's house. Fire-flace^ R. Gun Iiooki 

on ivall over dooi% L, xvitli rtjie^ pozvder horn^ hunting pouch, 
etc. Windorv in fat., C. Large chest or cupboard front of door. 
L. Door., R, rear of fire-place. Plai}i table against rear tvall, 
L C. Plain ivooden chairs. Discovered as curtain rises, 
Aunt Charity by table knitting, Dick LANGLEY«W(i Louva 
in conversation, C. 

Dick. Well! well! {Taps his boot -with riding xvhip.) I shan't 
argue any more v.ith you. You always get too much in earnest. 
And (Laughs.)Vm afraid, you see. that you may get the better ol 
me. I must proceed to business. Where is Sol Craft.'' 

Louva. He has gone to the woods, I believe. 

Dick. Pshaw! That's unlucky. He's always in the woods. 
I'm going away on important business, and wished to see him 
before I went. 

Louva. I'll deliver any messages, Mr. Langley. 

Dick. No, that wouldn't answer. I shall have to go without 
seeing him. Come, Louva, what what do you say to a ride up to 
Col. Farnham's.'' I'll hitch to the buggy and take you up, and 
stop for you as I come back. What do you say.'' {Taps her on 
the shoulder xvith his xvhip. She shrinks back.) 

Louva. ( lyith reserve.) My time is all occupied with house- 
hold duties. 

Dick. Pooh! Wildrose, you will tade if you mope at home in 
the kitchen all day. 

Louva. Mr. Langley, my name is Louva Craft, as you are 
aware. I wish to be called b^ my own name. 

Dick. Now that 's too bad that your friends can't give you a 
nickname, especially w4ien it's pretty and appropriate. 

Louva. I do not wish that for a nickname. 

Dick. {Laughs.) But folks do not generally chose their own 
nicknames. Aunt Charity did not cho.se hers, I venture. 

Char. Sakes no, honey ! Dey give it to me forty odd year* 
ago, 'case I waited on de sick an' dyin' people in Orleens. 

Dick. Well, Louva, if you won't take a ride to-day, I shall 
expect you to go to-morrow. I'll take no excuse next time. 
Good day ! {Bozvs politely. Exit L.) 

Char, Louva, chile, dat man ain't your friend. 



4 LUOVA, THE PAUPER. 

Louva. I know it, Charity, but what can I dor 

Char. Jes send him a kitin', that's what I'd do. 

Louva. But that is hard to do, Auntie. You know he come^5 
here to see Craft so often. 

CJuir. Yes, an' no good comes ot tlieir seein' each other so 
often, I 'spect. Poor chile! It was a bad day when jou come 
to dis house. Dis house don't hold many friends for de down- 
trodden. 

Louva ^ Charity, I hope 1 am your friend, and I know you are 
mine. 

Char. Poor chile! I's been the worst friend you ebber had. 
If it hadn't been for me, mebbe you'd never been lost. {Wifes 
her eyes.) 

Louva. Don't cry. Auntie. You did the best you could, with 
no one to advise you. 

Cliar. It was my fault! When we reached de big town on de 
river goin' to your uncle's de tootin' of de boats and kyar horns, 
an' de crowds of men an' homity busses, turned my head all 
roun\ We took de wrong kyar, an' vve's in de wrong kyar yet. 
T spect dis chile never will get riglited till she's done reached de 
big depole on de other side of de river, whah dcy changes kyars 
for de better land. We fetched squah up again de dooh of de poor 
house. (Crtes.) 

Louva. Charity, don't cry ! 
' Char. Dey said I was a good for nothin' runaway niggah, 
when de good Lord knowed ole Masser freed me long ago. Sol 
Craft jes took us from de poor 'sylum like cattle. Dey bound 
you out to nim in writins', and throwed me in lor good measure. 
I'g a black slave an' you's a white one. I don't care for dese ole 
bones. It 's only for you, deah chile. {Criesi^ 

Louva. {Putting her arm around Charity's iieck.) Charity ! I'll 
soon be of age, and then I'll take care of you. Tell me again 
about my mother. 

Char. Look in de glass. You's jes as much alike as twin 
6ggs> it' eggs could be twins. It jes' does me good to look into 
dem shinin' eyes. {Looks into her eyes.) 

Enter Bub, L. 

Bub. Somebody else don't object to lookin' into them eyes, 
too. Sis lets have a squint at 'em. {Seizes her rudr/y by the arm, 
and turns her around to look into her face ^ 

Louva. {Throxving off his grasf -with vmrtnth ) Bub, aren't 
you ashamed of yourself.^ 

Bub. Not as I know of. 

Louva. Well, you ought to be. 

Bub. Mebbe I ought. I 'sposed a cat might look at a queen. 
Reckon I ought to get down on my knees and ax your pardin'. 
Come to think on it, I Avill, if you will throw in a kiss to boot. 
( Tries to kiss her. She slafs his face.) 

Louva. {Indignantly) Bub Craft, we are not children now. 
I wont stand such treatment. 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 5 

Bub. {Sneeringly.) Wont stand it! Hatha! You're gettin' 
high up in figgers ! You can't treat me decently any more. 

Loiiva. I haven't mistreated you. 

Bub. Yes vou have! Last summer we fished and picked ber- 
ries together. Now you can't hardly speak to me, when father 
and mother aint round. 

Luova. You've forgotten that we are no longer children. 
Once you were kind to me, now you are rude. So if vou please, 
we'll fish no more together until' vou learn to be a little more of 
a gentleman. 

Bub. {Scornfullv.) Gentleman\ Oh, that's it. You're settin' 
your cap for a gentleman. A fauper ought to talk about gentle- 
meti. Mebbe Dick Langly 's your choice, pauper! 

Louva. For shame. Bub! 

Bub, Yes it is a shame, but the shame is all on your side. 
Everybody calls you pauper, an' you know it. But don't put on 
too many airs; I've stood your taunts long enough. You don't 
come it over pap and mother, and I'll jest let you know you can't 
come it over me. {Louva cries.) 

Bub. Hello! She's takin' on about it, {Aside) 'Spose I had'nt 
ought to said it. {Exit, R) 

Char. Dat boy's done spiled entirely with his impidence. He's 
as sassy as a pet pig. 

Louva. {Indignantly) I'll teach him how to insult me, if they 
kill me for it. 

Enter To^x, L. 

Tony. Mornin' missa Louva, mornin' aunt Charity. How's 
youah rheumaticals dis mornin.'' Hey.^ 

Char. Go long you niggah.^ Whah's youah manners.'^ 

Tony. Golly Auntie, I done loaned 'em to a feller for Sunday 
manners, an' he aint sent 'em home yet. 

Tony. Miss Lou\'a, Mistah Spriggs is gwine to come in if 
de track's clear. {Whistles.) We jes happened along, you know. 
{Crrins.) 

Enter, Will Spriggs, L. 

Will. Good mornin, Louva. How do you do.? 

Louva. Good morning. Very well, thank you. 

Char. Poor chile ; she's not de kind to complain, but de trouble's 
wearin' on her, massa Will. 

Louva. You look on the dark side of things. Charity. Be 
cheerful, and troubles will never effect our peace. 

Tony. Crymeny! Miss Louva, you jes know iiothin' 'bout 
farmin' or you wouldn t talk so. Las' week while Massa Farn- 
ham's folks' was bein' cheerful at a pic nic, didn't somethin' 'feet 
de peace.? 'Bout ieventeen mules broke into de corn, an' 
dey 'fected one piece so much dat massa done plowed it up for 
turnips. 

Will. (Laughs.) Tony, your ignorance is the perverse kind. 



6 LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 

Tony. Wersel Golly, I knows but one werse, an' dat's 'bout 
de whale swallerin' Jonah. 

Louva. I meant peace of mind, instead of a piece of corn. 

Tony. Piece of mind! Gollj, dat aint de thing for dis niggah 
if it's a bit like de piece of mii;d Missah Craft done give me the 
day I let the kittle of maple sugah scorch. 

Char. Go long! You's de contrariest niggah I ever seed. 
You can't get nuffin right. 

Tony. I tell you I understan' de case adzactly. Crymeny ! 
dat woman got a big mind, for de piece she give me dat day 
weighed 'bout a ton, an' she had plenty left. Aint dat so Miss 
Louva? 

Louva. She certainly has an opinion for any occasion. 

Tony. An' de 'casions are 'bout as plenty as de fleas in a hog 
lot. 

GiPSEY Crone enters silently^ L. 

Will. Louva, two years is a long time to wait for your freedom 

Louva. Will, I have good news ! Father has promised to re- 
lease me at holidays. 

Will. Thank him for that. It is the first time anybody ever 
had occasion to thank him. 

Gypsey. Yes, ladj', you will soon be free. Gentleman, [Stretch- 
ing out her hand) shall I read the scroll of the future.^ It is writ- 
ten in vivid characters. 

Will. {Gayly.) Yes read it. I'll take a quarter's worth of hap- 
piness from the scroll of the future. {Drops coin tnto her hand.) 

Gypsey. Aye! Enjoy the present! You are both j'oung and 
love sweetens life. Lady grieve not for the past. The near fu- 
ture shall see your triumph. It shall be very soon. 

Will. God bless jou for those words. {Exit Gypsey, L) 
Louva, are we not all creatures of superstition.'* 

Tony. She talks jes like a prophet out of de bible. She's a 
witch, sure. 

Louva. Her words startle me, for Mr. Craft promised only yes- 
terday that I might be released next holidays. But how did she 
learn that? 

Will. She has blundered on the truth, and her prediction will 
have a happy fulfillment. 

Enter Peleg Pucker, Z., in one hand a string o-f tin-ivare^ in the 
other, a satchel co7itaining jexvelry and tri?ikets. 

Peleg. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. {To Louva^ de^ 
positing his -Mares on the floor.) Ma'am, be you the lad}' of the 
house? I kalkylate I hev a little the best tin-ware south of Ma- 
son and Dixon's line. It's cheap as daylight, and tough as a 
ward politician. Look at that milk-pail. 

Tony. (Aside.) Crymeny! don't that yankee spit out big 
words. He calls a bucket z. pail. 

Peleg. Try them, ma'am. Every house in the kyounty needs 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 7 

a fresh supply of tin-ware while the kvows are fresh and fruit is 
plenty. 

Louva. I am not the lady of the house. 

Peleg. Daughter, perhaps? 

Loiiva. No sir. 

Peleg. Sister, likely? 

Louva. I am not. 

Peleg, Relation, on a visit? 

Louva. I live here. 

Peleg. Oh, exactly! Adopted child! 

Will. My friend, your mind seems to be of an enquiring na- 
ture. 

Peleg. Waal yes. Up in V'armount we mingle sociability and 
business. 

Will. So I perceive, and you sharpen both the intellect and 
the bargain at the same time. 

Peleg. Exactly! That's the style of doing business in Var- 
niount. 

Tony. [Aside to Charity.) Auntie, dat chap is from Varmount. 
I knowed the Yankees didn't come from 'Merica. 

Peleg. {To Will.) P'raps you're a planter? Let's come to 
business at once. I'm Peleg Pucker, with the best assortment of 
Yankee notions south of Mason and Dixon's line. Who be you? 

Will. I am Will Spriggs, at your service. I am not a planter, 
and need no tin-ware. 

Peleg. Waal Mr. Spriggs, when you do need some fixins in 
my line let me fit yeou eout. I guess you'll be wantin' to start in 
life on your own hook purty soon. {To Louva.) May be you'd 
like some jewelry, ma'am! A ring, or ear-drops? 

Louva. Mr. Pucker, I think you are wasting time on such an 
unprofitable customer. I never wear jewelry. 

Tony. Miss Louva,' you'd look jes gay with some of dem big 
jewel rings. 

Peleg. {To Tony.) You are a young man of taste, I see. 

Tony. Yes boss, I got right smart taste for stuffed turkey and 
apple pie. 

Peleg. You misunderstand me. I mean your ideas of beauty 
are rather acute. 

Tony. Oh yes, boss. My treceptions are tarnation cute. 
{Aside.) Crymeny! You've done treed a woodchuck stid of a 
coon. De darky aint a patchin at treception when a Yankee's 
round. {Looking out of wi7ido-LV.) Massa Will, de cows are com- 
in roun de bend down de run an' Sol Craft an' de ole woman will 
be here 'fore leventeen seconds. 

Will. {Aside to Louva.) With the consent of Sol Craft and 
his wife to our union, our happiness will be assured. 

Louva. I never was so happy before, Will. 

Will. 'Tis the echo of my own thoughts. Goodbye! 

Louva. Remember, Sol Craft is a suspicious and unrelenting- 
man. Good bye! {Mxennt Tony and Will, L.) 



8 LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 

Pelfig. Ma'am, my motto is, mingle business and pleasure, 
and it would be a real pleasure to sell you one .of these beautiful 
chains, or a pair of ear-drops? 

Louva. Sir, I am only a poor orphan. Your things are very 
pretty but I can't buy them. 

Peleg. I'll persuade the folks to buy you something nice when 
they come. 

Louva. Oh, don't think of it. Don't ask them. It will do no 
good. 

Peleg. Trust a yankee for takin' keer of his own affairs when 
business is consarned. 

Enter Sol Craft and Mrs. Craft, L. 

Peleg. Good mornin', Squire! How be yeou? Fine mornTn'. 
Looks like rain, though. {To Mrs. Craft.) Good mornin' ma'am. 
You're lookin' purty well this mornin'. 

Mrs. C. Keep your opinions till you're asked for them. You're 
A peddler! I can tell one as lar as I can see him. 

Peleg. Really, ma'am your knowledge does you credit. 

Craft. Mary Jane, don't be too confoundedly crusty. I reckon 
the Yankee aint goin' to bite you. 

Mrs. C. I reckon he won't get a chance to. What have you 
been doin' all mornin', pauper.? Listenin' to that fellow puff his 
trumpery? I reckon you know more about tin- ware and brass 
rings than you do about washin' and ironin'. 

Peleg. Ma'am, I gueas she does know some things purty well, 
but it takes the housekeepers like yourself to judge tin ware an' 
notions. Your old man may be some on the variues of a gun, 
but- men never can tell a good pan from a poor one. 

Mrs. C. That's just what I always said. There's the bottom 
out of that tin bucket already that Sol got in Cottonville less than 
two months ago. [Picks up tin pail.) That was the poorest 
bargain I ever seed Sol make. I reckon I'll take this bucket and 
two petty pans if you'll take six bits for 'em. 

Peleg. Waal, I'll take six bits seein' it's you. Eighty-seven atid 
a half's the price. 

Craft. Are you sure they're good, Mary Jane? 

Mrs. C. If my bargain is no better than your'n was, we'd bet- 
ter do without tin-ware an' raise gourds. 

Peleg. Is that all to-day, ma'am? Won't you look at some 
jewelry? 

Airs. C. Sis, put these things in the kitchen and get to work 
you lazy hussy. Don't stand listenin'. [Louva takes pail and 
pans. Exits R. Charity exits R.) 

Pelfg. [Hands Mrs. C. ear-drops, gives chain to C.) Mr. Craft 
that chain would look real handsome round your wife's neck. 
Planters' wives should look well at meetin' and fairs, as well as 
city folks. 

Craft. Mister, I reckon you've made a mistake. I'm no 
planter, an' you've seen enough of the world to know that sich 
tolks as us don't need jewelry. I 'spose this is ivashed. 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER 9 

Peleg. That is; but these rings and these chains are solid stuflf; 
18 kyarats fine. 

Craft. What did you say about carrots? 

Peleg. That means that they hev a sartin heft of pure, fine 
gold which they kalkylate by the kyarat. I guess you never saw 
the like of them in these parts. 

Mrs. C. I reckon not if thej- 're real gold. 
. Craft. Let me see your rings. 

Peleg. {Displays a la7'ge niwiber of rings.) They're fine, I tell 
yeou. I got 'em in Boston teown on purpose for planters' wives 
and daughters. I'll be be at the tavern in Cottonville for a few 
days. Send your friends round. 

Croft. Stranger, I spose you'll be in the settlement a right 
smart' spell.'* I'm desperate busy now, an' I reckon you might as 
well pack up your traps. We don't want none of your trumpery. 

Peleg. I be in a hurry, too. It's hard wheelin'"in the swamp 
an' I must be joggin'. {Exit L.) 

Craft. Mary Jane, he'll make the biggest haul of any peddler 
for some time, 1 reckon. 

Airs. C. Is it worth the trouble when you have enough already? 

Craft. We have not enough! He has three or four hundred 
dollars worth of truck in that wagon. 

Mrs. C. Where '11 you try it.? Mind, it's gettin' awful resky. 
People are watchin'. 

Craft. We'll meet him in the swamp at the bend in the creek. 
Tell Bub to get up the horses and feed them. 

Mrs. C. Bub will know this all sooner or later. Do you want 
him like yourself, Sol.? 

Craft. It will be later when he knows it, I reckon. I'll find 
Dick. 

Mrs. C. Sol, there 's enough hangin' over your head already. 
Don't you do anything desprit. 

Craft. If the Yankee aint cowtrairy about it I reckon we'll 
not do anything desprit. If he's cowtrairy I reckon he'll have to 
take his chances. {Exeunt Craft, L; Mrs. C, i?.) 



CURTAIN. 



Scene. — Same as in Act I. Enter Dick Langley L. 

Dick. {Looking around the roo)n.) Nobody at home to-day ! 
Craft is the most careless man I ever knew. Likely his careless- 
ness is his safety, for suspicion is most wakeful when we try hard- 
est to put it asleep. But if I had the swag around me that Craft 
keeps in this old shanty, I'd try hard to keep an eye on it most of 



10 LOUVA, THE TAUPER. 

the time. We flanked that peddler nicely. We were too cute 
tor the Yankee and played him a Yankee trick. Even that pretty 
pauper is not to be seen. Hanged if she aint worth all the rest of 
old Sol's treasures, and she knows it too, plague take her! I used 
to think that her sweetest smiles were for me, but she's a woman 
after all. They're all alike ! You can't steer into tneir good 
graces by compass, but must cut away the rudder and let the old 
hulk float, and ten to one a fellow will drop into some delightful 
little haven to wonder how he got there She ought to accept 
* my attentions as an honor to her. Perchance she is too proud to 
share my delightful company with Col. Farnham's handsome 
daughter. The little beggar, does she presume to teach me how 
to bestow my charms upon the opposite sex.^ The man has a 
deuced small stock of gallantry who cannot cause two or three 
female hearts to thrill with the sweet pangs of love at the same 
time. Cupid carries many arrows in his quiver, and loans freely 
to the skilltul archer. The heiress must be won for keeps and 
the pauper — {Louva heard outside singing.^ Ah! she 's coming 
now. 

Enter Louva, L. 

Louva. {Starting.) Oh! It 's you, Mr. Langley ! 

Dick. Well it seems to be. You see I make myself at home in 
Sol Craft's house. He is a jolly good fellow, who does not stand 
on formalities. I never wait for an invitation to his hearth. 

Louva. I see you don't. Well, make yourself at home. {Go- 
ing R.) 

Dick. Hold on! What 's the hurry. You are as gruff as an 
overseer. You'll soon rival mother Craft herself. 

Louva. Work must be done. 

Dick. Tush ! Let the work alone and be sociable. 

Louva. Mr. Langley have you any right to come here as you 
do.'' I am only a poor girl, far below you socially. Besides is 
Aggie Farnham nothing to you. 

Dick. Oh, certainly ! Every pretty girl is something to me. 

Louva. Mr. Langley, you are trifling and I have no time for 
such light employment. {Going R.) 

Dick. Stay ! Aren't you going to treat me civilly.? You have 
some other reason for this strange behavior. Will Spriggs has 
been filling your head with nonsense. 

Louva. Sir, you are greatly mistaken. Mr. Spriggs has never 
to my recollection even mentioned your name. He's above talk- 
ing about his neighbors. 

Dick. Oh, indeed ! A great deal may be said and no names 
mentioned. 

Louva. Mr. Langley, \yhen you insult my friends you insult 
me. 

Dick. But you must not take offence at what is only good 
advice. 

Louva. I shall ask your advice when I want it. 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. it 

Dick. (Aside.) Proud as a princess! {Aloi/d.) I sliall expect 
to see you in better humor next time. Good-bve. (Boivs ■politely. 
Exit L.) 

Louva. Despicable creature! Must T endure his hateful atten- 
tions? I'll tell Mr. Craft and unless I'm mistaken he will break 
that villian's head. How I detest him! {Knocking. I^ouy a goes 
todoo>- L. Etiter Aggi¥. Farniiam.) 

Aggie. Good morning, Louva! 

Louva. Dear Aggie! {They embrace) I'm ever so glad you've 
come. It seems so long since I've seen jou. 

Aggie. {Laughing.) Yes, it has beeii three whole days. 

Louva. Days are longer for me than for you. 

Aggie. Forgive me, Louva, I forgot that, but you must come 
oftener to see me. You are becoming indiilerent to old friends. 
Ah, my dear, I know the reason. Somebody else has usurped 
the place I once held. Well, I envy him and congratulate his 
good fortune. 

Louva. Pshaw, Aggie! Don't be foolish! You are wrong. 
My visits are fewer because the Crafts don't like me to see you so 
much. 

Aggie. And whv not pray.^ 

Louva. They think you have spoiled me and put new fangled 
notions, as they term them, into my head ; because you h?ve 
taught me things I never could have learned at the old school 
house or at home. 

Aggie. They can not be serious about it. They know enough 
to see that it is better for everyone to have some education. 

Louva. They know it, but they think it separates me from them 
and that clodhopper "Bub." Poor fellow! He would be better if 
they would let him. But they've set him against me because I 
am "stuck up" as they call it. When you gave me shoes to pro- 
tect my bleeding feet from the winter's frosts they thought it kind 
of you, because my being better clothed prevented the remarks of 
the neighbors; but to cultivate my mind made a gulf between me 
and him, and then they hated you as the cause of it. Why Mr. Craft 
would never give his consent to my going away was somethmg I 
never knew, unless Mrs. Craft compelled him to retuse it out of 
spite and to get mv work for a few years more. I'll never marry 
Bub. 

Aggie. Louva, your wrongs have caused me many a pang. If 
they had only released you when Pa wanted you to live with us. 
Louva. That's just the trouble. Ever since that they have 
been suspicious of you and your father. 

Aggie. It 's a downright shame that you should be treated so. 
I have plenty and I don't even dare to make you presents. I wish 
you -wotdd come and live with us, I'm so lonely. Louva, you have 
heard Pa speak of my vmcle who died in New Orleans.'' 
Louva. Yes, I remember hearing you speak of him. 
Aggie. Well, he left no heirs; his little girl, their only child, 
dying at the same time. Pa has held the estate, which is very 



12 LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 

valuable, but now he intends to settle it all on me. T shall not 
forget you, Louva, when you are your own mistress. 

Louva. God bless you, dear girl ! I can never repay what you 
have done for me already. 

Aggie. I want no pay but your love. 

Louva. That you will always have. 

Aggie. I will not stay long now, but I will see you often. I 
do not fear Sol Craft nor his virago partner. Trust to my diplo- 
macy. Good-bye. {Exit Aggie, Z.) 

Loiiva. She is truly my guardian angel, for she has guided my 
feet where all was darkness. It is strange that she never told me 
before that her uncle lived in Louisiana. Perhaps he fell in the 
same plague that swept away my poor father and mother. Who 
knows.'' What a terrible thing for a whole family to be destroyed 
at one blow! And yet the dead are often to be envied, for the 
living may suffer for years miseries harder to endure than the 
terrors of death. I shall soon leave this hateful place, anyway. 

Enter Cn A.-R.1TY frotn kitchm^ R. 

Char. Yes, honey! we are gwine soon. 

Louva. {Aside.) Alas! I can't release her. 

Char. I'm gwine over de river whah de angels sing. We're 
gwine soon 

Louva. Poor old Charity ! She has not long to endure the 
trials of this world. Her mind is wandering, and the spirit will 
soon begin its journey. She always associates me with her 
journeyings. {Shudders) It is awfuffor youth to think of death. 
{Exit R.) 

Enter Craft, Mrs. Craft, Withgow, and- Dick, L. 

Char. (Sings.) " We're going home to die no more," 

Mrs. C. If you want to make a noise go to the kitchen or the 
barn. {Exit Charity, 7?.) 

Withgow. So you think this girl cannot possibly be my si&ter's 
child.? 

Craft. I 'low not, stranger. Her name is not the same. 

Withgoiv. But might not her name have been changed.? 

Mrs. C. Mr. Withgow, we got the gal outen the poor house, 
when she was a little bit of a runt. All they knowed there was 
that she came from one ol the big towns on the river, along with 
an old nigger woman. The old nigger said that they came from 
Orleens, but niggers lies, so you can't put no dependence in them. 

Craft. The old wench was with some runaway niggers when 
they took her up. She wasn't worth sellin', so they just let me 
have her for her work. 

Mrs. C. Yes, an' it's just like most of your bargains, Sol. She 
can't airn her salt. An' I'd as lief feed a pack of hungry hounds 
as a lazy nigger. 

Dick. {Laughingly.) Only the hounds are more particular about 
their food. 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 13 

Mrs. C. Yes, hounds are sassier than niggers about their grub. 
But they've more right to be. A nigger'll eat anj'thing jou set 
before him. They've got to, I reckon, about t/iis house, an' no 
words neither. 

Witkgovj. What sort of disposition has this girl.' 

Mrs. C. I don't think she's got any disposition that I've ever 
seed. 

Craft. He means temper, Mary Jane. I s'pose there 's worse 
tempers in the world than her'n. 

Dick. Yes, that's so. 

Mrs. C. Where'll you find them, I'd like to know, Sol.^ 

Dick. {Aside.) Not far from home, I guess. [Aloud.) You 
don't know how to manage her, Mrs. Craft. 

Mrs. C. Oh, 3'ou needn't brag, Dick Langley, you've had none 
too good luck in managin' her. An' it's good enough for j'ou too. 
When a man meddles where he aint consarned he ought to git his 
knuckles rapped. 

Craft. Mary Jane, I say as I've always said, that the gal aint 
bad by natur'. 

Mrs. C. Sol, that's just because you can't do nothin' with her. 
You needn't tell her to spile her. You know you havn't done 
your duty by her nor hy me. You tried correctin' her and give it 
up for a bad job. /can take the kinks out of her when she gets 
into ©ne of her spells. A good hickory is the thing to sweeten 
a young one's temper or stir up a lazy nigger. 

Withgo'v. {Aside.) Poor child. (Aloud.) Mr. Craft, do you 
hold legal possession of this girl.? 

Crafc. I 'low so stranger. The county jedge done bound her 
over to me. 

Enter Peleg, Z. 



Peleg. {To Withgovj.) Good mornin' Square! Good mornin' 
all! Heow's the folks.'' Seein' as you're busy I'll talk business 
at onct stranger. 

WitJigovj. Your business, if you please, sir. 

Peleg. Tin-ware and notions. Best line of goods south of Ma- 
son and Dixon's line. Started from Boston teown with a crack 
lot ot jewelry, but two chaps took an invice of it t'other day 
down in the swamp, and cleaned out the hull kit. It was quick 
sales and small profits, as the country groceries hev it. 

Withgotv. {Laughs) Wasn't the swamp an imusual place to 
make sales.-* 

Peleg. Waal not to that kind of customers. They were un- 
usual customers. Square. In fact, it Avas a pretty slick surprise. 

Dick. Did your customers ask for tick, Mr. Pucker.? 

Peleg. No. They gave tick — the tick of a seven-shooter. {All 
laugh.) That 's jest about as convincin as cash. 

Withgovj. Would you recognize the robbers if you should see 
the magain? 



14 LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 

Peleg. Waal I guess not, stranger. They were too durned 
cute for me. Jest heft that pa-l. You wont find the like of it in 
this kyountj. The lady here got one. 

Witkgow. My dear sir, I have no need of tin-ware to-day. 

Peleg-. All right. Square. I saw your critter at the gate and I 
thought I'd stop. I never pass a man, fur he might feel slighted. 
May be you'll want some notions in the fall and pay in trade, 
rags, beeswax, old iron an' sich. 

Withgoxv. That is unlikely. I am a stranger in these parts. 

Peleg. Waal why in tarnation didn't you say so at onct.^ 

Dick. Have you any clue to the robbers.? 

Peleg. Nary "'clue. Good day. {Exit L.) 

WiihgOTv. ( To Craft.) I never s,aw my sister's child. My 
sister married against the wishes of her family. Her husband's 
family also disapproved of the match, I believe, and in consequence 
but little communication existed between the families. None ol 
the relatives ot either knew of their s-udden death for some time. 
In the meantime the child had disappeared and was supposed to 
have died of the plague, along with its unfortunate parents and 
its nurse, an aged negress. The child was supposed to have 
worn a small gold locket containing a picture of its mother. Here 
is my sister s portrait {Produces picture). Could I see the young- 
lady.? If the proper person is found a large fortune awaits her. 

Craft. I 'spose you could see her if sne was at home. {Look- 
ing at picture.) 

Dick. {Aside.) A wholesome lie that. {Aloud.) I will look at 
that portrait if you please. {Looks at picture. Aside.) The very 
image ofLouva. Here's a discovery ! 

Witligow. When will the girl be at home.? 

CraH. I reckon mister you need'nt fool away any time for 

nothin around here. Your barkin up the wrong saplin', I 'low. 

Mrs. C. We don't know anything about lockers and picters. 

Withgoiv. {Aside.) I dont like the appearance of these people. 
I shall not be foiled so easily, though, {Aloud.) Gentlemen, good 
day. {Exit L.) 

Craft and Dick. Good day stranger. 

^* Craft. Dick, will you kinder keep an eye on things round the 
house.? Mary Jane an' me must go down into the big pastur to 
see about a calf that is lost. Will be back in half an houn or such 
a matter. 

Dick. All right! It was confounded careless of you to gooff 
this morning and leave the house. That Yankee may turn up 
yet when he's no^ expected. 

Craft. Ka! ha! v/e played him a real Yankee trick. He can't 
scent the trail. {Exeimt Mr. and Mrs. C, R.) 

Dick. Whew! that takes a feller's breath! The little pauper 
is an heiress. She'd be a capital prize for somebody. If I thought 
her pile was bisfger than Aggie's, hang me if I wouldn't change 
my mind and try to win her for keeps. Sol Cratt thinks he 's a 
sly fox. Hunting a calf! I'm the calf he had in his eye. If he 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 15 

thinks he can fool me so easily, he must rise early. Bah ! spring 
calf! He and the old she welfare gone to consult how they may 
turn this discover}^ to the best account. Well Sol, my "boy, it 
will be strange if Dick Langley don'l have a fat plum out of that 
pudding. {Looking out of window.} Hello! who's that.^ Aha! 
'' When the cat's away the mice will plav." There's Will Spriggs 
coming to see his pretty pauper. Maybe they'll have some pretty 
talk since tf^ey ape the gentleman and lady. I'll step into the 
chimney corner outside, and take lessons in the art of elegant 
sparking. {Exii R.) 

Enter Louva and Will Spriggs, L. 

Will. Then, dear Louva, since Craft has consented there is no 
further reason for our meeting secretly. The shelter of the old 
hedge, down the lane, will no longer be needed, and Tony, my 
ally, can devote his valuable time to other pursuits. {Lmcghs.) 

Louva. I ain glad I can see you without the shame of stealing 
out like a — 

Will. Like a maiden in distress. 

Louva. No, like a culprit. 

Will. A pretty culprit ! {Puts his arm around her and kisses her.) 
Penitence becomes you. 

Louva. I always felt as though I deserved punishment. It 
is not right to deceive parents in that way. 

Will, Parents! They are not your parents, and they do not 
deserve the respect of parents. Under other circumstances, I 
would be ashamed to steal in here to meet you. Were the Crafts 
honorable, my course would be dishonorable. Dishonesty and 
cruelty must be met with strategy when all else fails. Their cruel 
treatment of you has shattered forevLT the bonds of love and duty, 
which else had bound you. Their severed ties are emblem- 
atic of the lost love which your oppressor can never regain. 

Louva. There is no grief so great as that of alienation from 
home and family. 1 have found a home with them. 

Will. In name! . 

Louva. In their way, they are sometimes kind. 

Will. The hyena is sometimes kind in its way, too, I presume. 

Louva., Nay, do not liken them to so base an animal. Has not 
Sol Craft been kind in consenting to our union.'' 

Will. Yes; at the eleventh hour, and we'll thank him heartily 
for that. 

Louva. Dear Will; I can hardly believe my happiness real; 
I sometimes expect to wake and find it all a dream. 

Will. Dear Louva; a few weeks will realize its blissful possi- 
bilities. {Takes ri7ig from his fockct.) Let this be a pledge that 
no dim dream can make or mar our happiness. {Puts ring on her 
finger, Dick opens door softly and looks in.) 

Louva. Thank you, dear Will ; thank you, for this pledge ot 
happiness before us. 

Will. May that happiness be as unending as the golden circlet 
which is its fore-runner. But time speeds. Adieu darling! 



15 LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 

Louva. Farewell ! (-£'a;/'/ Will L, Dick/;; ffcf?^^. The gypsej 
would read the future through this tiny circle of gold. But it is 
better not so, for the darkest clouds may roll into the brightest 
skies. {Exit L.) 

Dick. So ! so ! my pretty pigeon ! Young Spriggs is flashing 
around his rings generously, considering he's nothing but an over- 
seer. (Musing.) If this peddler should make any particular row- 
about his robbery, why couldn't we saddle it onto Spriggs. If he 
gets clear it wilTdisgrace him so that he will leave the country 
rather than face his high toned friends up at Col. Farnham's. He 
will learn too late, that it costs something to rival Dick Langley. I'll 
have nothing to do then but select whichever heiress I choose. As 
tor that greeny "Bub" Craft, pooh! his love is like a flovvei- 
i^Iucked by the wayside, only to be thrown away in wanton waste 
Humph, "^I can send the Crafts up Salt River whenever 
i please. 

Enter Bub Z. 

Dich. Hello, " Bub" ! Been developing your intellect by slop 
ping the pigs and feeding the calves.^ 

Bub. By cracky! You 'tend to your own intellect and an' 
I'll tend to mine. Because you have a little edication, you think 
you are some, an' can play it on a feller who haint had no chances. 

Dick. Oh, no! I shouldn't think ot playing it on you. You 
are entirely too tender to stand the pressure. Keep your eyes 
open for strange calves, or they may eat you for a cabbage. 

Bub. Durn your skin! I'll be even with you Dick Langley! 
1 aint afeerd of you, if you do carry concealed weepons. You're 
a coward ! {Sticks his fist under Dick's nose.) Take that up if you 
dare ! 

Dick. Pooh Bub! Don't brag, you're only a boy. {Going L.) 

Bub. And a boy you dasn't try to handle. If you ever sass 
me again, I'll lamm you like blazes! 

Dick. Be careful Bub. You va2iy say something you'll rue. 
[Exit L.) 

Bub. Durn him, I'll fix him! 

Enter LouvA, R. 

Bub. Louva; Where's pap. ^ 
Louva. Down into tne big pasture. 
Bub. Did m.other go 'long. 
Louva. Yes. 

Bub. Anybody be. n here.^ 
Louva. (Hesitating.) Why do you ask.^ 
Bub. Coz I want to know . 

Louva. You have no business to know everything that happens. 
Bub. Louv' what's the use of getting riled. I axed you a civil 
question. Was sombody here. I won't tell on you, 
Louva. Honor bright } 
Bub. Honor bright! 
Louva. Will Spriggs was here 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 17 

Bub. (Aside.) Jeemeny! That's news. {Aloud.) Was there 
no stranger here, 

Louva. No. Why? 

Bub. {Aside) Then she haint seen him and don't know it. 
{Aloud.) Nothin'! Louv' let's be friends. 

Louva. Bub I 've always been your friend. 

Bub. {Dra-wing closer.) Good friends I mean. 

Louva. Will you treat me like your sister? We've always 
been playmates, and you are the best friend I 've had in this family. 

Bub. Louv' I was mean the other day, mean as pusley. 

Louva. I'm glad to forgive you Bub if you didn't mean it. 

Bub. But I did mean it, an' that's what makes it so almighty 
ornery. Louva, you're too good to live here. 

Louva. But we'll forget that. 

Bub. Louva, I like you more than you know. {Takes her hand.) 

Louva. { Withdraxving her hand quickly .^ speaking -with emotion.) 
To be sure Bub. We are brother and sister. 

Bub. Brother and sister! — 

Enter Craft, L. 

Craft. I see you are having a little chat, children. Of course 
your father is not necessary to keep up the interest. Louva, I 
reckon we 'd hate to part with you at holidays after all. 

Louva. {Alarmed.) Father, you have promised. 

Craft. Not of a sartinty ! Why can't it be as Mary Jane an' 
me wants it, seein' you and Bub have made up ag'in. I can leave 
him a right smart little sum, an' I reckon you'll never want for a 
livin', 

Louva. {Pleadingly.) Oh, Mr. Craft, it can never be. Never! 
Don't ask it, please. 

Bub. {Excitedly.) Pap you've done spoiled it all. {Exit R.) 

Craft. {Sternly.) Young lady, if you can't listen to reason you 
5>^rt// listen to command. As your legal guardian I consent to 
vour marriage with Bub. When I set my mind on a thing I'm 
a conlraryy man. You 5-^a// do it. (^jzV/^.) The fortune must be 
kept in the familj'. Don't cry about it. Bub will be a good man 
to you. It's my duty to see you fixed and settled for life. {Exit 
R.) 

Louva. And this is the end of my dream ! The awakening is 
hideous. Settled for life. Friends are powerless! ZJ^a/^ only will 
release me and that is welcome. {Pulls off her ring.) Is this a 
phantom too? {Gazes at it.) It slowly vanishes like the rest. 
All is a dream. I am still a pauper and a slave; worse than a 
slave. Where am I? Dreaming has made me dizzy. {Swoons.) 

SLOW CURTAIN. 



i8 LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 

^OT III, 



Scene. — Col. Farnhant's residence. Room substantially furnished. 
Boors Rand L. Window in flat C. Sofa R. Centre Table. Chairs 
disposed around the room. Pictures on walls. Aggie and Dick 
Langley discovered seated on either side of table. 

^^SS^'- Mr. Langlej were you at Cottonville yesterday.? 

Dick. Yes, Aggie. I rode over for want of anything- else to 
do. 

Aggie. Did you hear any further particulars of the robbery of 
the Yankee peddler.? 

Dick. The gossips were busy as usual; but I never pay any 
attention to such things. 

■^SS^^' We should take an interest in them. Society must be pro- 
tected or it will soon be unsafe to travel the unfrequented roads by 
night or day. Did you hear any surmises concerning who the 
guilty parties are.? 

Dick. Some think that the Yankee was never r6bbed at all; 
others that he is only an emissary inciting slaves to run away, 
and deserves to be swung up to the nearest limb. 

Aggie. Whoever the rogues are I.hopethey may be brought to 
justice. In the meantime we must wait patiently. 

Dick. It is not hard to wait, Aggie, when the fate of strangers 
is at stake. 

Aggie. Wh}', Dick, I'm surprised at such sentiments. Have 
not all human kind claims upon us regardless of their social con- 
dition, color or caste.? 

Dick. Now it 's my turn to be surprised when I find you, 
Aggie Farnham, a slaveholder's daughter, advancing arguments 
which would suit very well up North, but which you had better 
keep to yourself down here. You will be aiding your father's 
negroes to run away next. 

Aggie. No danger of that. Kindness has made their running 
away unnecessary and impossible. 

Dick. Say improbable. You never can trust a nigger. 

Aggie. Dick, you ought to be ashamed! You, who were 
brought up in a free state ought to hold to your faith. I tell yon 
we can trust them. If we will we can be interested in their wel- 
fare, too. 

Dick. I have no pet free state sentiments. We agree in the 
main. Of course you have found some of the negroes reliable. 
li you say so I'm bound to believe it. 

Aggie. Not because I say so. Observe the facts for yourself 

Dick. You would not have me doubt you, dear Aggie.? 

Aggie. No! Love and doubt do not flourish in the same soil. 

Dick. Dear girl, I shall never be able to pay this great debt of 
trust and affection. 

Aggie. You are too humble, dear Dick. Love's ledger knows 
no balances. Heart gives to heart its all, nor cares for base 
equivalents. 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 19 

Dick. (Aside.) Were it otherwise I'd be a hopeless debtor. 
(Aloud.) You are right, dear Aggie. True love puts all into a 
common stock. {Aside.) Oh, that I could place honor therein. 

A^gie. Have a^ou seen Louva Craft lately.'' 

Dick. Yesterday. 

Aggie. 'Tis sad that such a lovely girl should suffer so much 
from the hands of those who should be her protectors. 



Enter Z, CoL. Farnham. 

Col. Good morning, Mr. Langley. 

Dick. Good morning, Col. A fine morning, sir^ 

Col. Very, indeed! Exhilarating weather! 

Col. Aggie the housekeeper wishes to consult you. 

Aggie. Mr. Langley, will you excuse me.'' 

Dick. Certainly. {Bowing politely. Exit Aggie, R.) 

Col. Langley, my boy, I can hardly forgive you for coming 
into my home and carrying off my only child. She 's a fine girl 
and a great comfort in the house. 

Dick. I heartily concur with that sentiment, Mr. Farnham. 

Col. She is the last of the stock, and the image of my lost 
wife. My only brother died suddenly of yellow fever in New 
Orleans. His wife and child followed him in a few hours. The 
stock didn't flourish when transplanted from its native soil in old 
Virginia. 

Dick. How long since did your brother die.'' 

Col. Eighteen years ago this summer. 

Dick. Were you present at his funeral.'' 

Col. No. He married against father's consent and we heard 
but little from him after he settled in Louisiana. I went to New 
Orleans as soon as possible after Henry's death, but could learn 
nothing concerning his death. 

Dick. What was the maiden name of ypur brother's wife? 

Col. Withgow! I never saw any of the family. 

Dick. Sad affair, that! Very sad! {Aside.) All is clear, now, 
the pauper is indeed an heiress. 

Col. Very sad! After the death of Henry and his wife and 
child, his valuable estate reverted to me. I shall settle it all on 
Aggie. Mr. Withgow, a brother of Henry's wife, never was fully 
convinced of the death of the child. He has spent a great deal ot 
time in tracking up lost children, but nothing ever came of it. 

Enter Tony Excitedly, L. 

Tony. Crymeny Massa! Run out onto de lawn, quick! 

Col. What 's the matter now, Tony.? 

Tony. Bv Jec7neny! dey done took up Massa Spriggs for 
stealin'. He's out dah cryin' like a chile, an' de niggahs are all 
cryin' worse than if de best horse died. 

Dick, Will Spriggs arrested for stealing! Impossible! 



a© LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 

Tony. Massa, Will says he didn't steal nuffin, no more than — 
than — I did. 

Col. Tonj', he shall have justice. Mr. Langley, this sudden 
and painful event compels me to perform a most disagreeable 
duty. That is, to try for robbery v[\y most trusted employee, and 
one whom I was pleased to call a friend. As Justice for this 
district, I must do my duty. Tony, has the constable arrested Mr. 
Spriggs yet? 

Tony. Yes, Massa, dey's both restin' in de shade of de big 
maple tree. 

Col. I mean, is Will in custod}'.-* Did Sol Craft serve the 
writ i 

Tony. Massa, can't answer de fust question about the custard. 
I heerd no tell of any custard. But somebody 's done writ, for 
Massa Craft read the letter to Massa V/ill. 

Dick. Tnis is indeed a serious affair, and one much to be re- 
gretted. 

Col. The charge is a grave one, and a terrible surprise to me, 
but under the circumstances it was imperative for me to issue the 
warrant for his arrest. 

Dick. Let us hope he will succeed in establishing his inno- 
cence fully. 

Col. I sincerely hope for the best. Excuse me, Mr. Langley. 
I must prepare for the preliminary examination. {Exit R.^ 

Dick. Louva is an heiress and Aggie's cousin. Nobody sus- 
pects her real history except the Crafts, and I can close their 
mouths. {Musing.) Withgow has evidently not discovered the 
identity of Farnham. He must not. A specious ^tory will 
easily put him off the track. Louva must remain unknown, and 
then Aggie will hold both fortunes. I'll find a way. 

Enter i?, Col. ajid Tony. 

Col. Tony, bring in my writing desk. [Exit Tony R.) Mr. 
Langley, judging one's fellow man weighs down the soul with a 
grievous burden. I'll never serve another term as Justice. 

Dick. It must be deuced disagreeable to a man of your taste, 
Col. (Tony re-entej's with a table scattered ivith ink. He removes 
centre table aud arranges the othera. Brings extra chairs.) 

Col. Bring the statutes, Tony. 

Tony. 'Scuse me, Massa, de which? 

Col. The statutes ! The law books, you thick-headed rascal. 

Tony. Thought at fust you meant de big bottle formixin'Toni- 
and-Jerry; dat sounds like statchues. 

Dick. Ha! ha! 1 guess he means the Stoughton bottle. 

Col. Yes! I got one last week, the first Tony ever saw, and he 
hasn't the name fixed m his woolly head yet. We don't need th« 
bottle, Tony. 

Tony. Better have it, Massa; it'll help the court get into de 
merits of de.case. 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. si 

Col. Hurry up you villain. If jou don't learn to stop talking 
back I'll have you flogged. Tell Craft we' re ready. 

Tony- {Goinff R. Aside.) Massa threatens that 'bout seven 
times a week. S'pect I'll stan' dat kind of floggin', 

Dick. Col., are you not afraid that your slaves will become 
dangerous under such mild treatment. That fellow needs a taste 
of the lash. 

Col. I don't know that it would help him much; Spriggs and I 
spoil him, I admit, but he'll do anything in the world tor me, if I 
give him his own time. 

Dick. And his own way. 

Col. {Laughitig.) Yes ! 

Enter AviGiE Excitedly^ R. 

■^SS^^- What is this about Mr. Spriggs.? He never can be 
guilty. Craft has something to do with this. It's a shame, 
father ! 

Col. Be calm, daughter, this is not the time for such expres- 
sions. 

Aggie. Save him, father, for I know he is innocent. 

Col. He shall have strict justice, nothing more. 

Dick. (Aside.) She is too anxious. Has he tampered with her 
affections too.^ The dog, he shall suffer! 

Enter Z, Craft with Will a prisoner, J olloived by Pkleg, Bub, 
Crankey, Mrs. Crafii, Louva. 

Craft. Squire, here 's the prisoner. 

Col. We are ready to proceed with the preliminary examination. 

Craft. I reckon we'd better handcuff him. There's no tell- 
in' what he may do. He 's spunky as aground-hog. Bub, bring 
in the jewelry. He seems kinder fond of jewelry. 

Col. (Severely.) Silence, fellow! I will vouch for the prison- 
er's good behavior. 

Craft. Jest as you say. Squire. 

Col. You are charged, Mr. Spriggs, with robbing one Peleg 
Pucker, a traveling peddler, on the evening of Oct. 20th, in a 
lonely swamp on the road to Cottonville. Are you guilty or not 
guilty ? 

•WM. Not guilty ! 

Col. Do you wish counsel? 

Will. I shall rest my case on a statement of the facts. 

Col. (To Peleg.) Do you wish counsel.? 

Peleg. I kalky late we" can run this thing without petty foggin 
lawyers. 

Col. The persons summoned as witnesses will now be sworn. 
{Craft, Peleg, Crankey, Louva and Will take the oath.) " You sol- 
emnly swear to tell the whole truth, to the best of your knowledge 
and belief, in the case now pending." (Pause.) Mr. Pucker, state 
what you know concerning the facts in this case. 



12 LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 

Peleg^ Waal, squire, I was drivin' along through the swamp 
jest at the pint where jou pass the bend in the creek. I was jog- 
gin' along purtj lively lor <-he sun was deown an' there wan't 
much time to spare if \ got through the mash before dark. All 
of a sudden two chaps with false faces on rode up, one on each 
side, an' told me to stop. I told the fellers I could take keer of 
my own affairs. But, by jingo! one of 'em jerked out a pistol 
quicker than a wink an' pinted it straight at my head. I kinder 
thought it was best to stop. They jest cleaned eout my old wagon 
quicker nor 1 can tell yeou. The skunks took the hul kit of my 
jewelry but didn't have any inclination for tin-ware. Speakin' of 
tin- ware. Squire, I kalkylate yeou don't want to buy any tin- ware 
an' notions.'' I hev the best assortment south of Mason and 
Dixon's line. 

Col. Please confine yourself to the case. 

Peleg. Jedge, that's jest what I'm doin. Tin-ware is all the 
case that I hev neow worth speakin' of. 

Col. Please confine your remarks to the particulars of the rob- 
bery. Did you recognize either of the men who stopped you.'' 

Peleg. I guess not, Jedge, they had false faces. 

Col. Robbers usually have false faces. You mean tnasks. 

Peleg, Exactly so' I kinder was afeerd you wouldn't know 
what 1 meant if I said masks. 

Col. {^Somewhat impatiently.) Spare the court these digressions. 
{Pause.) What next, Mr. Pucker.? 

Peleg. What do yeou want next.? 

Col. Describe the men. 

Peleg. The one that rummaged the wagon was near about the 
heft and build of that man, near as I could tell. {Points to Will.) 
The other might be about the git up of the constable there. 
{Craft starts uneasily.) 

Col. Which way did they go when they left you.? 

Peleg. Toward Cottonville. 

Col. Mr. Craft, state what you know about the case. 

Craft. I see'd the prisoner ride past toward Cottonville late in 
the afternoon, with a strange man. 

Col. What first aroused your suspicions.? 

Craft. Will Spriggs give a ring to our bound gal, Louva. 
You know he's been sparkin' her for — 

Col. Please omit that. 

Craft. Well, Mary Jane says to me, says she — 

Col. {Severely.) State what jytPM know. We want no hearsay 
evidence. 

Craft. {Doggedly^ That's what Pm goin' to do if|you'll let me. 
Says I, he didn't come honest by that ring, an' says she — 

Col. Stop! Is that all you know? 

Craft. I reckon that 's about all I can siuear to, but anybody 
can guess purty well wbere he got that ring. 

Col. We will have x\o guessing here. 

Craft. Mr. Langley seed them too. 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 23 

Col. Mr. Langley will take the oath. {Langlev is sworn.) Mr. 
Langley, state what you know about this case? 

Dick. I was with Mr. Craft and saw the two men he speaks 
of. I heard one of the men say in a low tone, "This will be uglv 
work if we are arrested." Thev rode fast and seemed to be ex- 
cited. That is all. 

Col. Mr. Spriggs may testify. Remember, vou . are not 
obliged to criminate yourself. 

Will. I have little to say. I did ride toward Cotton ville on 
the evening referred to. A friend was with me whose name I 
am not at liberty to mention. I did make the remark attributed 
to me by Mr. Langley. I can not at present explain the purport 
of that remark. As God is my judge, I did not assist in robbing 
this man. 

Col. Did vou give Miss Louva Craft a gfold rinsr.? 

Will. I did. 5 S 

Col. {To Craft.) Where is that ring.? 

Craft. Here it is ! 

Col. {To Peleg.) Is that one of the rings you lost? 

Peleg. {Looks at the ring.) It is. Here's a tiny trade mark on 
the inside. 

Col. {To Will.) Did vou buy this ring from the peddler' 

Will. I did not. 

Col. Where did you get it.'' 

Will. That I am"' not at liberty to state. 

Col. For God's sake. Will, clear up this mystery or the state's 
prison is before you ! Speak, or I shall be obliged to commit you 
to jail. 

Craft. I 'low you'd better sarch his trunk. 

Will. I am willing that you should search my effects. Tony, 
please bring in my trunk. {Tony starts out for the trunk, R.) 

Crankey. {Steps forward^ Col. I alius like to see fair play for 
the under dog in a fight, an' I 'low I mought say somethin' about 
this ridin' matter. 

Col. Go on Mr. Banks. 

Crankey. You all know me, I 'spose, an' you know that 
Crankey Banks is something on the hunt. Well, I hearn tell that 
coon waz desput plenty down in the swamps, an^I jest thought 
I'd go down an' ketch a good fat one. There's nothin' better'n 
a fat coon for roastin' n'less it's a possum. There's right smart 
more fat in a possum, but a chunk of roasted coon aint bad eatin' 
with Johnny cake and sweet taters. Well, I seed this durned 
Yankee peddler passin'. Arter a spell. Will Spriggs passed with 
another teller. They was trottin' right smart. Ijuked into the 
woods lookin' for coon, and durn my buttons if two more fellers 
didn't come splittin along, ridin' like mad. They wuz too far 
off for me to tell 'em ; but it moight be. Squire, they took the 
durned peddler's Yankee notions. 

Col. That is additional evidence, certainly. Is that all? 
Crankgy. I reckon so, Squire. 



24 LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 

Enter Tony -with trunks L. Col. opens trunk\ prodtices a small 
paper box which cojitains jewelry. 

Peleg. yeemeny! the very box. {Takes it up.) The fixtures 
are not all here, Squire, but' I'm much obleeged for small favors. 
{^Puts box in his pocket.) 

Col. Hold! not so fast! Those articles must undergo due pro- 
cess of law. 

Peleg. By jingo! Jedge, I thought they had been through a 
process of law. I see there's not much of ^em left. [Puts box on 
table.) 

C(>1. Mr. Spriggs can you explain how those articles came into 
your possession ? 

will. I am ignorant as to how they came there. This is a 
plot to ruin an innocent man. 

Col. Are you wilhng to explain the nature of your business to 
Cottonville, or how you came into possession of that ring.? 

Will. I am not at liberty to do either. 

Col. I am compelled to commit the prisoner to the county jail. 

Aggie. Oh, father! father! have mercy ! 

Col. Justice before mercy, girl! 

Louva. Mr. Farnham, do not ruin an innocent man. Suppose 
he were your own son. Be merciful! He bought the ring in 
Cottonville. He told me so, himself 

Col. Did he tell you of whom he bought it. 

Louva. No. 

Col. The mere assertion, unsupported by particulars, avails 
nothing. Mr. Craft, remove the prisoner. 

Aggie. Father he will prove his innocence. There can be no 
doubt of it. 

Col. The law must take its course. 

Louva. {Wringing her hands.) Oh the disgrace! Will, please 
explain. Think of your wretched fate! 

Will. I can not now, but may in the future. 

Louva. Oh, it will be too late! too late! 

Mrs. C. Louva, if you can't behave afore folks, you'd better 
go home and sniffle in the chimbly corner. 

Bub. Mother, I reckon she wouldn't 'a come if you hadn't 
fetched her. 

Mis. C. That's just my luck! My only child turns agin me 
and takes part with that thankless, good-for-nothin. 

Tony. Massa, I 'se got a little matter of testification for dis yer 
court. 

Col. Tony, a slave's testimony can not be taken legally. But 
you may tell what you know. 

Dick. I wish to learn the whole truth in this unfortunate case, 
but, of course, the evidence ot this slave can not be taken except 
merely as a matter of interest. 

Col. Certainly. 

Tony. What I knows is right to de pint of de case. The oth- 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER 25 

er evemn' jest about de time Mistah Lankly gen'ly comes up to 
see Miss Aggie, axin' pardin, I was sittin' on de back porch eatin 
a watermillion. [Pauses.) 

Col. Was that all? 

Tony. No, massa, I done eat a mushmillion arterwards! 

CoL Blockhead! what has that to do witli the case? 

Tony. Massa, I'll get to de pint of de case immegitly. I was 
eatin' a watermillion on de back porch. Arter a while I seed a 
fellow open de back gate and slip up to Massa Sprigg's winder. 
I s'posed it was Massa Will an' didn't say nuffin. Dreckiy, de 
feller popped out of de winder an' slipped down by de garden pa- 
lins. I thought it was Massa Will, but I knows now it wasn't; 
tor dat was Chuesday, an' Massa Will wasn't at home Chuesday 
evenin'. 

Dick. Col., is n't this somewhat informal? 

A' gie. Mr. Langly, I am sure Tony is worthy of belief. You 
surely will not object to hearing anytliing which may solve this 
mystery? 

Dick. Certainly not. {Aside.) I'm ruined if discovered. 

Craft. 1 object. 

Peleg. Jeeminyl I thought a man could tell the truth, if he 
was black. 

Tony. I haint got nuffin more to tell. 

Col. I can not proceed further without additional evidence. I 
shall postpone the trial for a few days. 

Craft. What'U I do with the prisoner? I reckon he'll need 
watchin'. 

Col. I'll vouch for his appearance. 

JLouva. Saved, thank heaven! 

Aggie. Innocence must be vindicated. 

Will. I trust it may. 

Peleg. {Aside to JVill.) Say, Mister, I guess you'll be wantin' 
to set up on your own hook one of these days with that gal. Let's 
make a dicker on the tin-ware. Got the best assortment south of 
Mason and Dixon's line. All best quality! Extra wire 'round 
the rims! Made right in my own shop in Varmount! 

Dick. (Going Lr. Aside.) There's a chance yet. {Exeuiit allbut 
^ggieL.) 

Aggie. Mr. Langley is apparently prejudiced against Mr. 
Spriggs for some reason. There is a plot against poor Will, and 
Craft has something to do with it. {Muses.) No ! Away base 
suspicion! But I'll learn the whole truth yet. {Exit R.) 



CURTAIN. 



26 LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 



J^OT IV. 



Scene. — Same as in Acts land 11. Dick and Ckayt discovgred 
in earnest discourse. 

Craft. {SuUily.) I don't see as your plan has amounted to any- 
thing. Spriggs is clear and he'll be watchin' us. By gum ! I 
think there's a right smart chance of their getting us into a tight 
place yet. 

Dick. It was a mere accident that caused the release of that 
jeweler by his creditors in time to save Will from jail. His testi- 
mony showed where the ring was bought. Our case was a strong 
one, but the finding of that glove in Will's room saved him and 
confirmed that infernal nigger's story. 

Craft. It was lucky that you had never worn that glove before, 
or Aggie might have recognized it and made a sight of bother. 
Crankey said at the trial that he seed four men ridin' toward Cot- 
tonville. Why has he been potterin' around with that Yankee? 
They're up to some devilment. 

Dick. Col. Farnham has too much sense to listen to the stories 
of niggers and poor white trash like Crankey. 

Craft. I reckon when it comes to that, Crankey's word will go 
about as far in court as your'n. 

Dick. {In angry tone.) Well, what does that all matter.? 
.Spriggs is clear and that 's the end of that. 

Cra^t. Mebbe not for us. 

Dick. Sol Craft you're frightened. There 's no reason why 
they should suspect us. Our tracks are too well covered. {Jest- 
ingly.) Have you heard an owl hoot, or forgotten something, or 
seen the moon over the left shoulder.? I'll throw an old shoe after 
} ou f )r good luck. 

Craft. Oh, you can taunt me about signs all you please ; but 
there 's something m 'em, I tell you. Mary Jane broke the look- 
in' glass this mornin', an' that's the worst kind of luck. 

Dick. {Laughingly.) Yes, for the glass. 

Craft. It means a death in the family before a year. 

Dick. Bother! Don't talk of death, Craft. What have you to 
propose.? 

Craft. I was thinkin' that I'd best go over the mountains for 
a while, on a visit to my brother Zeke's till this thing kinder blows 
over. 

Dick. Couldn't we start a story that this Yankee is a coaxing 
niggers away, and have him lynched or run out of the country.? 

Craft. That would look a leetle suspicious, and might do more 
harm nor good. 

Dick. When did vou intend to start? 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 27 

Craft. This evenin'. 

Dick. Humph! What did jou expect me to do? Are you 
going to betrav me? Remember I can hang jou. 

Craft. Don't get you're dander up. 1 reckon when I hang, 
you'd go over the other side of the limb to balance me. I 'lowed 
that as you were a comin' an a goin' so often, that you could start 
for your sugar ptantation down south any time. 

Dick. I could, but I'll go with you. 

Craft. It haint safe for too many to go. 

Dick. Aren't you going alone? 

Craft. I never visit alone. Louva will go along. Mebbe. 
Bub will go in a day or two. 

Dick, r Aside.) To win a fortune! All right! I'll saddle 
"Coaley, and ride toward Cottonville. I'll cross the country and 
overtake you before you pass the Big Spring 

CraH, Is that sate? Hadn't you better go some'er else for a 
spell? 

Dick. It is perfectly safe. I'm coming and going so much that 
no one will suspect anything amiss. 

Cra*t. (Aside.) Durn it! There 's no gittin red of him. 
{Aloud.) Well, just as you say. 

Dick. Have you told the girl yet? 

Craft. Five minutes warnin' is all she needs. 

Dick. All right! Pack my saddle bags, too! I'll see Mrs. 
Craft about lunch. We want something to nibble on the way. 
{Exit R.) 

Cra-ft, Hang it! He orders us round in our own house like 
niggers, the impudent dog. He talks about blood that has been 
spilt. There'll be more spilt if he don't behave himself. 1 see 
what 's in his head. Let him harm that girl and his life wont be 
worth a squirrel's scalp. 

Enter Dick, R. 

Dick. Everything is nearly ready ! 

Craft. {Dryly.) I 'low I knowed that when I got it ready. 
{Exit'R.) 

Dick. Sol is suspicious. I'll give him the slip. The ren- 
dezvous in the mountains is always ready to welcome me. Before 
another day passes the iron horse will be speeding my Wild Rose 
and me, toward the great metropolis ot the Union. . There, amid 
the luxuries which money will procure, she will soon cease to 
oppose my suit. Dazzled by a life of fashion and folly, she will 
never return to this slow-going old country. Her fortune is 
Aggie's, and Aggie is mine. 

Enter LouvA, R. 

Dick. T'is a glorious plan, and Dick Langley has the nerve to 
put it through in spite of every obstacle. Pooh! Who cares for 
danger. 'T is the wine that gives zest to life. 'T is a poor fool 
who would not stake his life for a splendid fortune and a delicious 
romance. {Exit L.) 



28 LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 

Louva. What can Mr. Langlej be so much in earnest about? 
Some of his speculations that he speaks of I suppose. Oh! that 
I could warn Aggie Farnham of the danger she is in. But I dare 
not, and she would not doubt him if everyone else did. His polite- 
ness and gallantry can not hide his true character. Poor Aggie, 
the sweet, confiding girl ! 

Enter Bub, hastily, R. 

Louva. Why Bub, what's the matter.? 
Bub. I've got somethin' to tell you. 

Louva. How agitated you are! Has anything serious hap- 
pened.? 

Bub. Yes. There 's somethin' the matter. Pap is goin* over 
with you to Uncle Zeke's. 

Louva. We've gone there several times. There 's nothing 
serious in that is there.? 

Bub. But he 's goin' to-night, right away. 

Louva. You frighten me, Bub. What's the matter.? Why 
does he start to night.? 

Bub. He says he's goin' to-night because it 's nicer ridin' by 
moonlight than in the hot sun. I'll tell the reason he's goin' as 
you've axed me. They think, it we're over there together a while 
mebbe you'd like me better. I told Mam and Pap that if you 
could not like me here you would not anywhere ( Turns away. 
Aside.) I'd better not tell her all I know about the robbery, and 
Pap's badness, to skeer her. (Aloud.) It 'pears to me Louv' you 
might like me sometime. We was raised together. You've 
beat me larnin, I know. I can't talk grammer like you kin, but 
I'll get books an' larn night an' day. 

Louva. Oh ! Bub, its not that. You've tried to improve and 
you have the heart of a gentleman, if you haven't his speech. 

Bub. Louva, don't you think I've larnt right smart.? I don't 
say taters nor taller. They're /etatoes an' tallow. 
Louva. Oh, you've learned ever so much. Bub. 
Bub. Louva, you never told me what you had agin me. 
Louva. Bub, I've nothing against you. There is another. 
Bub. I knowed it. I knowed it. I know who he is too. I'll 
think just as much of you an' none the less of Will Spriggs. I'll 
never say a word to you agin on this subjec', an' I'll tell Pap to 
put away the horses, for its no use to go over the mountains. 
We'll be nothin' but brother an' sister agin. I wont think any- 
more about how happy I was goin' to be with you sometime. 
The corn rows will seem longer to hoe, ^nd I wont be so glad 
when the day's work is over, but I reckon I kin stand it. Here 's 
my hand, and if you ever need a friend you'll have him in Bub 
Craft. {Exit R.) 

Louva. Poor fellow ! he has an honest heart. {Tapping heard 
at door, L.) Hark! (Opens door, L. Enter Will Sfriggs) 
Will. Dear Louva! 
Lonva. You surprised me I 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 39 

TVili. The coast is clear, and Aunt Charity stands guard. 
They're all at the barn. 

Louva Will, you must not be seen here now. Mr. Craft is 
dangerous, and the consequences — Oh! go! 

Will. Be calm, Louva! Charity is outside. She will cough 
aloud when it's time to go. I hope she'll be free from a cough 
for a long time. If Craft won't let you go until you're time is up, 
I will see you in spite of him. I've faithful allies here! 

Louva. Dear Will, you do not know the agony of apprehen- 
'lon I endure. 1 dare not tell all I fear. 

Will. Has anything occurred lately to disturb you.? 

Louva. I hardh' know whether I ought to breathe the sus- 
picions I have. It may do injustice. 

Will. You have something to disclose. It will be sacred with. 
me, and it maj^ be your duty to make known anything suspicious. 

Louva. {Speaking loiv) The very walls must not hear. I be- 
lieve Sol Craft and Dick Langley belong to a band of robbers. 

Will. Hello! you're not the only one that thinks so. Keen 
eyes watch their movements. 

Louva. Dick Langley is an accomplished villain. I detest him. 

Will. Has he dared to insult you again.? If he has I'll punish 
him like a dog. 

Louva. Oh, dont! Don't speak a word to him. He 's a dan- 
gerous man. 

Will. I don't fear him. If he dares to molest you again I'll 
teach the villain that there is protection for the helpless. Louva, 
{Speaking low.) I've good news. U our suspicions are correct Craft 
and Langley will be arrested as soon as there is any evidence 
against them. If Craft is convicted the law will enable you to 
have the privilege of choosing a guardian. Then you will leave 
this hateful den forever. 

Louva. 'T is a terrible thing to think that he may be a lelon, 
he whom I have called by the sweet name, father. May he not 
be a wronged man. {Muses.) It is singular. We start to-night 
to cross the mountains to visit Uncle's. We never went at night 
before. 

Will. What! Tonight! At once! There's mischief in that. 
It means flight; but they shall never escape. Col. Farnham and 
others are ready at a moment's notice. The arrest will be made 
at once, before it is too late. [Going L.) 

Louva. Will! Will! You will cause trouble, t fear there will 
be bloodshed. 

Will. Right must prevail at every hazard. Be brave. Fare- 
well! {Kisses her.) I shall return in a few minutes with help. 

Louva. Good bye. {Exit Will, L.) What shall I do? Why 
did I tell him my foolisti fears.? 

Enter BuB, hastily., R. 
Buh. By gum! Louva, they're going right off through the 



30 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 



fields before it 's dark. Langlej's goin' along. I wanted to go but 
he said it was no use in my goin'. Hang him ! he has no busines- 
at Uncle Zeke's! He 's a mean skulkin' dog that wont face a fe! 
ler. 

Enter Mrs. C, R. 

Louva. I can't go if he 's along. 

Mrs, C. Laws a me ! none of us is good enough for you I 
x\in't your father good enough company.? Get your bonnet 
an' shawl, you hussy. You can go a visitin', while 1 stay at home 
an' work like a nigger. 

Enter Craft and Dick, L- 

Crajt. Are you ready, Louva.'' 

Louva. Father, can't we wait till to-morrow? Can't Bub go 
along.? 

Craft. 1 s'pose Bub might as well go now as in a day or two. 

Dick. (With look of meaning- at Craft.) Somebody is needed 
at home. He'd better wait. 

Craft. I s'pose so ! 

Louva. I should think he would like to go now, 

Mrs. C. Shut up you jade! I've a mind to larrup you. Wail 
till your betters is done talkin'. 

Will rushes in L. 

Will. I command you all to remain where you are! 

Craft. You do, eh! Well, you're right peart for a boy. 

Will. Bub, help me guard the doors ! There 's no charge against 
you. 

Mrs. C. Did you ever see the beat fur impidence.? 

Dick. Boy, leave this room ! 

Will. Not till yovi are my prisoner. Bub, assist me, I've sent 
Tony on to Col's for help. 

Dick. So you have appeared in your true character at last, Will 
Spriggs.? You have played the spy, and have wormed from others 
secrets which they had no right to disclose. After your miserable 
schemes are matured, you dare to stab at your superiors! Away, 
traitor ! 

Will. Dick Langley, you never shall leave this place except as 
a prisoner. It needs no spy to discern your villainy. 

Craft. That's your game, is it.? I reckon you didn't figger 
the cost before you took the cawntrack. 

Dick. Surrender, or your life is the penalty. {Draws fistol.,fires 
and misses Will. Will draws pistol and fires., Craft knocks it 
aside. They seize Will and throw him on the floor.) 

Craft. Langley, we mnst shed no blood. Mary Jane, a rope ! 
{She brings rope from the kitchen. They bind him firmly.) Now, 
boy, I reckon we'll go without axin your leave. Bub, don't loose 
him. Tell his friends they'll have us when they catch us. Dick, 
we'll have to make tracks lively, now. L . va, we're ready. 

Will. Oh, for a moment's freedom ! 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 31 

Dick. We'll take the short cut toward the upper ford! 

Craft. Yes, an' they'll have a good hunt to find our trail. 
{Exeunt Craft, Dick, and Louva, Z.) 

Mrs. C. ( To Will.) You mean, sneakin' scamp, jou ought to 
be tarred an' feathered, an' if I was a man I'd help do it 
(^Exit R.) 

Will. Bub, vour father is charged with robbery, and you will 
be an accessory if you don't release me. 

Bub. I hain't nothin' agin you, Will, and won't raise a finger 
to stop you ; but it's pretty hard to ax a teller to turn agin his 
daddy, even if the ole man 's wrong. 1 won't do it. 

Enter Charity, R. 

Bub. Charity may untie you if she wants to, I'll not. {Exit L.) 

Char. {Untying rope.) Fore de Lord, Massa Will, day 's got 
you sure. I never seed such a racket in all de days of my'life. I 
jes thought de day of judgment done come, sure. Whah 's de or- 
phan chile gone. !* Lor' save me if dey hain't took her too. {Will 
rises.) 

Door L bursts open, and in rtcsh Farnham, Withgow, Peleg, 
Tony and Crankey. 

Col. Where are thev.^ 

Tony. Golly, massa Will; I tole you you'd spile de broth by 
stirrin' it too soon. Dis is de fust time dis chile ever helped 'rest 
anybody, an' den dey done 'rested de wrong feller. 

Will. Too late ! The villains have escaped. 

Enter Mrs. C, R. 

Mrs. C. I 'low you'll not catch them soon either. 

Peleg. Ma'am, could I hev a word with you.^ ' 

Tony. {Aside.) Crymeny! She'll give him several words if 
he don't look out. {Col. Will and Withgow consult aside) 

Mrs. C. Well, what do you want. 

Peleg. Ma'am, in a few days I'll hev an extra tip-top lot ot 
saucepans. The like of them was never seen south of Mason and 
Dixon's line, I'll guarantee. The»Col. there was in such a hurry 
he would'nt wait till I could get a sample 

Mrs. C. I want none of your swindlin' Yankee fixins. 

Peleg. We've dickered before, and you know I'll give you a 
No. I article. Shall we say a half dozen pans, delivered at pota- 
ter-diggin', payable in trade.'' 

Withgow. Man, this is no time for your petty barter. Mrs. 
Craft, where is Louva, the orphan .-* 

Mrs. C. I reckon Sol can take keer of her. 

Withgow. I have good reason to think she is my niece. In- 
torm me where she is and you shall be well rewarded. 

Mrs. C. We want no rewards. Sol Craft's family ain't beggars- 

Will. - We are wasting valuable time bv delaying. 



3« LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 

Enter Aggie, hastily. L. 

Col. Child, this is no place for you. 

Agii^ie. I could not endure the suspense. I mounted my pon v 
and came with one of the servants. Where is Louva.? 

Col. Gone! 

Ag^'e. And Mr. Langley.'' 

CoL Has proved to be a black-hearted scoundrel. Let his 
name never again be mentioned in my presence. 

Aggie. It IS bitter; but thank heaven it did not come later. 

Col. Poor child! It is a cruel blow. Strive to forget it. 

Aggie. The past can never be forgotten, but a kind Providence 
has tempered the blow When I saw him raise his hand to crush 
an innocent man, I awoke from my illusion. 

Col. {Clasps her in his at'ins,) Thank heaven for that, my pre- 
cious child. You are yet mine, and safe. But another is in dan- 
ger; we must haste to the rescue. 

Will. Time is precious! They have good horses. 

WithgoTv. Time speeds, but we must be sure of our object. 
Charity, what is the real name of this child called Louva.^ 

Char. Dey called her Louva at de poor 'sylum, but her moth- 
er called her Minnie. 

Withgow. My sister's name ! What was her name in full ? 

Char. Minnie Winton. 

Withgow. Was that all.? 

Char. Lor' bless you, that 's all we called her. Ole massa's 
nam.e was Fafnham. Bless you, honey, it come this minnit. I 
done forgot it for years; my memory is sort of tricky like. 

Withgo-w. My niece! Found at last! Who will lead the pursuit.? 

Tony. Crymeny! I don't see how she 's found at last, at de 
very minute she 's done lost. Dat feller's out of his head. 

Aggie. Then Louva is my cousin. How glad I am ! 

Col. And I am proud to find such a niece. 

Crankey. I sorter think I could head off Sol with a good crit 
ter. It 's ten mile by the road to the pass; but I reckon I could 
make it eight by cross cuts. 

Col. You shall have a horse, but this delay will give them a 
dangerous start. If they crossihe state line they're sure to escape. 

Crankey. I reckon they'll not pass the line to-night. They'll 
most likely steer for Buckskin Jack's cabin to rest. I know every 
foot of the sile roun' there. I've hunted coon and possums all 
roun' them hills. I've seed coon so plenty they jest eat up all 
the roastin' ears and young chickens. I've seed deer an' bear — 

Will. Crankey, we must go ! (Exeunt Will., Col., Withgow and 
Aggie.) 

Peleg. Mrs. Craft, I guess you'll be wantin' some saucepans 
next time I come 'round, strong tin handles, well soldered an' iron 
rings to hang 'em up on. Best stock south of Mason and Dixon's 
line. 

Mrs. C. Get out, you cheatin' Yankee vagabond, or I'll break 
your pate for you. {Rushes at him with broomstick. Exeunt L.) 
CURTAIN. 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 33 



J^CJT ^. 



Scene. — A deserted cabin in the mountains. Door in. jiat. 
Only furniture a -wooden bench and a brokeii chair Room lighted 
by a tallow candle stuck to the wall ivith a pocket knife. A thunder- 
storm., lightning and rain. Discovered Dick Langley and 
LouvA. 

Dick. Take a seat Pet, you are tired. This bench is hard, but 
your shawl will improve it a little. {Spreads shaxvl on bench. Lou- 
va seats herself.) We shall have better quarters before twenty 
four hours. Come, be more sociable, Louva. 

Louva. Where are we.'' 

Dick. In the mountains, many miles from Crafts. A jolly ride, 
we've had, though you may have found it a little tiresome. My 
saddle-bags are well filled, and we'll have a nice lunch. 

Louva. I am not hungry. I can eat nothing. 

Dick. But you must. Too much fasting will spoil your good 
looks. 

Louva. Sir, if you have a single impulse of manhood left, you 
will not insult a helpless girl. 

Dick. Bless your life, you're too hasty. I meant it for a com- 
pliment. 

Louva. When will we reach uncle's.-* 

Dick. {Laughing.) Well, the truth is, we are not going to 
Zeke Craft's at all. We are just starting on a little pleasure trip 
up North. We are not taking exactly the same trail Sol Craft ex- 
pected to take, so there 's little fear of pursuit, for it would take 
keen eyes to follow us to-night. 

Louva. Will father accompany us.'' 

Dick. I fear not. That old rye he partook of when we stopped 
at the spring, made him top heavy. He will hardly get over his 
nap in time to catch the up train in the morning, I should think, 
( Thunders loudly.) But our horses must be led to a place of shelter. 
It will never do to let the poor brutes suffer. "Coaly" will be get- 
ting restive. {Exit.) 

Louva. {Rises ?nusingly.) How strange that one who shows nc 
sympathy for his fellow beings can be so gentle to a brute. {Thun- 
der a}id lightning) A fearful night! My soul is in a tumult like 
the elements. My dark presentiments will soon be dread reali- 
ties. I strive in vain to shake off the superstitions mibibed in my 
childhood from ignorance. The gipsey's prophecy, that I should 
very soon be free, has assumed a new and dreadtul meaning. 
(lakes vial from her bosom) Poor Will! My freedom will be your 



34 LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 

slavery — enslavement to a crushing load of sorrow. It is terrible 
to die alone in this wild place, but the fates have marked me. 
Hark! How the storm roars! God's majesty is seen in the clash- 
ing elements, and may be his anger too. Nay, he will not be an- 
gry with me. The dear Savior will not withhold his mercy be- 
cause man has ceased to be merciful. {Drinks poison from the vial.) 
Little vial, my last friend; reserved lor the hour of need, your 
mission is fulfilled I shuddered when first I sought you, but now 
I can-look on death as a friend in my hour of extreine need. Oh, 
Aggie, vc\y benefactress, my guardian angel, would that you 
could be with me now. No, it cannot be. 1 have lived alone and 
I will die alone. My untimely end will save you from a fate 
•worse than mine, and "that thought sweetens death. Dear Will, 
larewell. {Reclines on bench.) 

Enter Dick, hastily. 

Dick. My dear, we must fty. Lights are coming up the val- 
ley. Our pursuers have discovered us. Get up quickly! Curse 
the luck! The journey has exhausted her completely. Nothing 
remains but fight. The rain has wet the priming of my pistols. 
[Draws bowie knife.) I've a poor show against so many. If Craft 
was only here now. 

Craft rushes in. . 

Craft. I'm here sooner than you expected, villain! You 
thought to escape me, did you.^ I'll have your heart's blood! 
{Rushes on Dick with drawn boivie knife.) 

Dick. Come on! You're welcome to every drop you get. 
{They fight. Dick gradually gets the advantage of Craft who falls 
•wounded.) 

Louva. Oh, he will kill father! {Swoons^ 

Farnham, Withgoiv, Will, Peleg, Crankey and Tony rmh in, 
bearing torches. 

Craft. That villain has robbed me of my child! {Crankey lev- 
els his gun at Dick) 

Col. Peace ! You are both prisoners, and the law will deal with 
your crimes. {Dick and Craft are disarmed.) 

Will. Louva, we have come! You are free! 

Col. This terrible scene has proved too much for her nerves. 

Louva. {Rises and totters into WilVs ar7ns.) Safe, did you say.' 
Am I dreaming again.' 

Col. No, Louva, you are among friends. Your uncle is here. 

Louva. {Abstractedly.) Uncle! He said we were not going 
there. I shall soon be free. 

Will. You ; re free, dear Louva. You are faint! 

Withgoiv. She seems very ill, 

Peleg. Mr. Langley, p'raps you can tell me where my jewelry 



LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 35 

Is. If you can't, may be Jedge Lynch can find out. He is a per- 
tickler friend of yours. 

Dick. Mercenary Yankee, I despise you. 

Peleg. Wa'al, I do say ! Virtue has sVuck in on you purty bad. 

Louva. {A'wake/iine-) Who are those strangers.? Please' send 
tliem a\vay, Mr. Farnham. 

Co/. Cahn your iears, my child. You are among friends. 
This gentleman i.s Mr. Withgow, your mother's brother. I am 
your father's brother. You shall never need friends while we 
live. 

Withgo-tV. {Takes her hand.) All is well at last, mv child. 

Louva. ( With effort.) I am restored at last to friends. Dear 
old Charity ! This would be glad tidings to you. And Aggie is 
my cousin! Sweet girl! Give her my blessing. \Sinks to floor.) 

Will. Are you ill, Louva.' {To CoL) This is serious! {Kneels 
by her side.) 

Louva. I shall soon be free ! 

Col. {Tales her hand.) Great Heaven! She is dying. [To 
Dick) Villain! What means this.'' 

Dick. I know no more than you. I swear I do not. 

Pele.^. I guess this will explain it. {Picks tip vial and hands it 
to Will.) 

Wtd. Poison ! Accursed be the fatal drug. 

Louva. All is peace! I am going! Mr. Farnham, farewell! 
God bless you. You were always kind to the poor pauper. Our 
new found ties sweeten death and make it bitter. And vou, kind 
stranger, whom I may call uncle, may heaven reward vou foT- 
your zeal to serve a poor girl. [Col. and Will support heron their 
knees.) 

H- ith£;-ozv. Alas! I find the object of my long search only to 
lay her in the grave. 

Co/. Louva, you may yet survive. 

Louva. The brink of the river! Tony, are you here.? 

Tony. {Weeping.) Yes, missa! Dis is awful. Dis yere house 
is haunted! 

Louva. Tony, you have a kind mistress. Be faithful to her. 

Tony. [ Weeping.) Yis, missa, I will ; Til be de bestest I knows 
how. 

Louva. Will, dear Will, do not weep for me. Good bve. Take 
this ring. Keep it for my sake. Mr. Farnham, tell Aggie I'm 
happv. {Dick slips out but is observed by Crankev.) 

Crankry. I reckon you'll never get out of this here cabin so 
easy as you thin'K ior. Surrender! You desarve punishment an' 
vou'll have it too. 

Dick. Never! [Leaps out; C ran key foil o-jus vjith his riHe; loud 
re fort of a rifle heard.) 

Louva How it storms! Hark the thunder! 

Will. Dearest, the storm is over! 

Louva. Yes, it is over! Father! Father 1 Mother, I'nj coming. 

Craft. [Groans.) I've killed her! 



36 LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 

Crankey. The villain who done this will never harm another. 
Louva. They will give me a new name. I shall.be called pau- 
per no more. Will — 

{Dies. A pause.) 

Col. Her trials are ended I She is free! 

ARRANGEMENT OF CHARACTERS. 







c. 










Col. Louva. Will. 






V- 


ct*^^*'- 




''"V.,. 


a 


to^^* 




SLOW CURTAIN. 




X 



A FAMILY STRIKE. 

A spicy liirce, illiisli-;itin<r "strikes,'" ,5 iiiait; :iiul 2 fc,-iii;ik' characters. Tiiiic 
20 inimitcs. 

LOUVA, THE PAUPER. 

A drama in five acts; 9 male and 4 female ( haracters. Time, i hour 45 iiiiii. 
Contains a jrood Yankee cliaracter and a humorous darky character. This is 
an intensely interesting- and pathetic play. It admits of strikin<<^ scenic effects" 
and is a stron<>- play for amateurs. 

TWO GHOSTS IN WHITE. 

A humorous farce based on boardin<i;--school life; 7 female characters. Time 
li, m. Abounds in luilicrous t'pisodes. 

HANS VON SMASH. 

A roarinj;;- farce in a prolofjue and one act; 3 male and 4 female characters. 
Time, ,50 min. ("ontains an excellent humorous Dutch character. 

THE ASSESSOR. 

A humorous sketch, illustratinf»- the difHcuIties of an assessor in listing the 
property ol a tax-fif^fliter; ^ male and 2 female characters. Time, 15 m. 

BORROWING TROUBLE. 

A ludicrous farce; 3 male and 4 female characters. Time, 30 m. Illustrates 
the very amusing- trials ot a borrowing; family. 

THE PULL-BACK. 

A laughable farce; (> female ciiaracters. 'J'ime, zo min, Contams an e.\- 
(cllcnt old-fashioned, "old lady " character. Pictures her adventures among 
the devotees of iashion. 

COUNTRY JUSTICE. 

A very auuising coiuili y law suit; s male characters. (May admit 14.) Time 
20 tninuti's. 

ON THE BRINK, 

Or, The Reclaimed Husband. 

A temperance drama in two acts; 12 male and 3 female characters. Time, 
I hour, 45 m. Seven of the characters have unimportant parts, and some of tlie 
parts are so arranged that the same person may play two parts. Contains 
Ihree humorous Yankee characters. A fine play for amateurs. 

A PARLOR ENTERTAINMENT. 

A Sketch ; 2 male and 5 female i liai a(-lers. Time, 25 111. A g-ood piece for 
younger hoys and girls. 

New plays will appear from time to tinii-. ('ostumi-s furnished. Wig-s, 
beards, masks, face paints, tableau lights, elc, at lowest rates. Parties de- 
siring full information, pU-J'.se address us. 

T. S. DENISON, 

CHICAGO, ILL. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

6 016 112 397 3 




0S0f Ifial Aiiamtiii^ 



At -prices ivithin the 7' each of any Teacher and all 
School Boards. 



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The above Air- Pump, retailing at $9.00, is claimed to be superior 

to those ordinarily retailing at ^20.00. 

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I LIST. 



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Two stop-cocks 2 50 

One Connector to 

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Two Double Nut Caps 90 



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Book of Experiments and Ex- 
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Brass Plate 2 00 

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Address 



All for $20. Carefully packed in a neat box. 

T. S. DENISON, 

Chicago^ HI. 



